Barely a week after 38 worshipers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were kidnapped and regained their freedom, another incident has shaken Kwara State. At least 11 residents were reportedly abducted on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighboring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.
According to information gathered, the most recent attack happened around 6 pm between 20 to 30 bandits who stormed the peaceful rural community with a sizable herd of cattle, firing randomly while the locals fled for their lives.
It was discovered that the assailants fired gunfire into houses as they passed through various areas of the town.
The ferocity of the gunfire was confirmed by the discovery of bullet holes in wooden doors, windows, and walls.
A community leader, who requested anonymity, confirmed that eleven persons were abducted, including seven members of the same family.
He confirmed the abducted victims to be a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and children.
He listed the abductees as, Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, Kande (5 years), 10-year-old Hadiza and Mariam, who is also 6 years old.
Others are 5-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman identified as Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).
“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times, Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified. We don’t even know what to expect next.
“People are now living in fear. This is too much. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he said.
A senior security official confirmed the incident on Tuesday, adding that operatives have begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and nearby villages.
“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in that area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said.
He added that although federal security reinforcements were deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vast forest and numerous settlements in the area make surveillance difficult.
“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but you know that forest is vast. There are many villages around there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying the details and would issue an update in due course.
As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the police or the state government.
The incident has heightened tension in Isapa, Eruku and surrounding communities, as residents fear that bandits may be attempting to gain a foothold in the area.
Local vigilante groups have increased night patrols, while some religious centres have reduced evening activities.
The Isapa attack is the third major incident on Ekiti Local Government Area communities within the past month.
Three weeks ago, 18 residents were abducted in Eruku but later released.
Last week, 38 worshippers were kidnapped inside a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also later released.
